St. Georges Day Parade 2013
Wednesday, 15 May 2013 16:45
On Sunday 21st April 2013 Onchan Silver Band led the Scouts annual all Island St. George’s Day Parade through Onchan. The event was organised by a small group of 2nd Onchan Scouts Leaders.
There was much more to the day than just the parade – Once at the end of the route (Onchan Park), there was a service held including a short play depicting the story of St. George and the Dragon by the 2nd Onchan Scouts who also lead prayers. During the service, all members of the Scouts renewed their promises.
The parade itself comprised of some 700 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Network and Leaders all following Onchan Silver Band through the centre of Onchan. The March marked the first official engagement for the bands new Musical Director, David Mapp. In keeping with the bands new manifesto, they were keen to break away from the very traditional “yellow” (old) music that has served for many years as the bands marching repertoire. Although not consigned to the archives completely, this was seen as the ideal, happy, occasion to bring some fresh, up-beat music to the public. And so, the new MD produced a brand new score of music to march to, especially for the day. The St. Georges Day Parade was its official premier, although it could be heard in the weeks leading up to the big day as the band rehearsed in the underground car park of the Isle of Man Government in preparation.
The new style was well greeted throughout, with the event being heralded a success by all who were there.... even the weather was on form!
Passing on the Baton Monday, 25 February 2013 16:03
Onchan Silver Band has a rich history within the Isle of Man and beyond. In recent years they have led the way in various aspects of brass banding – From setting the record high mark of 97 with an ensemble at the 2011 Manx Music Festival, to updating the brass bands very traditional look to incorporate modern Manx Tartan waistcoats. Then in 2012, another first for the Isle of Man – They appointed the first ever female band master in Rebecca Halliday. Becky has been a member of the band for over 20 years as a player and more recently, as the Junior Band Leader. In her role as “Acting Band Master”, she led the senior band through its hectic yearly schedule in 2012. The hours of work she put in behind the scenes, as well as in front of the band should not go unmentioned or be underestimated! This was however, only meant as a temporary measure, as Becky was always keen to step back into her playing role as the bands principal Baritone. The group have been looking for a permanent replacement for their previous conductor Paul Dunderdale, who retired from the position at the start of 2012. However, they have always been determined that the baton should be passed on to the right person for the job Read more... Add new comment
2012 Tuesday, 15 January 2013 20:37
Anyone who has checked on the Onchan Silver Band website within the last year or so will have noticed a distinct lack of change. For this, I can only apologise! However, the lack of activity online is not representative of what has been an eventful year for the band.
Another Busy Christmas Sunday, 01 January 2012 21:24
As is the way with brass bands, the Christmas season is always a busy time of year - 2011 was no different! New Trophy For 2012 Manx Music Festival Tuesday, 29 November 2011 14:36
2012 will see the introduction of a brand new trophy at the Manx Music Festival. It will be awarded to one of the Junior Brass solo classes and has been donated in memory of Jessie Russell.
Jessie was an avid supporter of brass banding on the Isle of Man. |
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